Finland – the country of the Vikings

The history of modern Finland begins a long time before the Common Era. According to the extant artifacts, once it was inhabited by harsh Vikings, famous for their bloodthirstiness, and now it is a democratic republic – a member of European Union. Only the climate is still harsh here.

The capital of the country is Helsinki. Being situated on the cold shores of the Gulf of Finland, this city bids welcome tourists from all over the world the whole year round.

At the Senate Square a magnificent Cathedral and a monument to Alexander II are located. There are plenty of interesting museums. Athenaeum contains within its walls the richest collection of classical art in Finland. The art Museum – Kiasma is also worth visiting, as well as Museum of Design, Museum of Fine Arts. On the Market Square you can buy various souvenirs and crafts, made by local craftsmen, and the most delicious gourmet foods in the best Finnish traditions.

Thanks to an unusual architectural solution, Temppeliaukio Church is one of the favorite tourist attractions. It differs a lot from common temples. It was decided to cover debris of a blasted rock with a dome and establish a church there. Jokingly, it is also called a bunker for anti-devil protection. You cannot miss visiting the largest Orthodox cathedral in Northern Europe – the Dormition cathedral.

Everyone, even the youngest travelers, will be interested in visiting one of the oldest zoos in the world (Korkeasaari island), Linnanmäki Amusement Park, in seeing the fascinating underwater

SeaLife world, or exploring Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress together with a guide.

Framed by two small picturesque lakes, there is Tampere – the largest city in Scandinavia. In Särkänniemi Amusement Park the tower of Näsinneula is located. It has an observation deck at the altitude of 120 meters, which offers a stunning view of the city. And the entire tower is 168 meters high. The park also includes a dolphinarium, zoo, aquarium with plenty of underwater inhabitants, planetarium and more than forty exciting rides.

Tampere Art Museum will help you to immerse in the country of ancient fairy tales in Moomin valley. Here the following attractions are worth visiting as well: Museum of espionage, Piinikki observatory and Livery yard.

All cities in Finland have lots of sports centers, specializing in snowboarding and mountain skiing. Both new comers and professionals can have a lot of fun and a perfect rest here. Such ski resorts, like Levi, Ruka, Takho, and Ylläs – offer the first-class high-speed ski trails, modern ski lifts, shops, SPA-centers and hotels of the highest class.

Finland is often called the country of many lakes; it is a perfect place for fishing fans. Numerous tour companies offer a variety of equipment, services of experienced guides and everything you may need for a great fishing.

Beyond the Arctic Circle there is a special place of tourist attraction – the country of Lapland. People come here to enjoy the northern lights and to visit Joulupukki, who is known to the rest of the world as Santa Claus. In Santa Park, you can ride deer or dog sled, go in for skiing and snowboarding, watch dwarf theatrical shows. Also, travelers will be offered extreme rafting, fishing and many other entertainments. In Rovaniemi, Arktikum Museum is located.